"Territorial as ever." Komento ni Brix.
"Doing something I failed to do before," Altair said with a hidden meaning to it.
"Is she yours?" Hamon pa ni Brix.
"She's Mrs. Altair Jairus Narvaez the last time I checked."
Nagkibit-balikat lang si Brix. "Feelings change. And so are civil statuses. Right, Jem?
Napabuntong-hininga ako. "Why don't we just eat. Feeling ko gutom lang kayong dalawa." Anyaya ko sa kanila sa magaang tono. Ayoko ng feeling nang naiipit sa pagitan ng dalawang malalaking nag-uumpugang mga bato. It sucks to be a Bernardo Carpio.
Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang lumapit si Tita Claire sa amin. "Brix, hijo. Dumating ka na pala! Glad you make it. I see you're in good terms now with my son and his wife." Tuloy tuloy na pahayag ni Mama.
"Of course, Tita. Let's forget the past...."
"Not me." Dinig kong mahinang bulong ni Altair sa tabi ko.
"I just hope Al has already forgiven me since he's already married to his beautiful wife." Dagdag pa ni Brix.
"You didn't even say sorry." Bulong ulit ni Altair. Siniko ko siya. Ang dami talagang issue at arte ng lalaking 'to. I look at him, silently telling him to let go.
"Mama, ikaw muna ang bahala sa bisita. May I excuse my wife? We have something important to talk about."
"Can it wait, hijo? The guests were asking for both of you and Jj."
"We'll make it fast, Ma."
Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ni Brix sa akin at kay Altair, may bakas ng nanunudyong ngiti sa mga labi. I rolled my eyes. Hindi pa man nakakapagsalita si Mama ay hinila na ako ni Altair sa kamay palayo at papasok sa isang silid.
"What?" Tanong ko nang maipinid niya ang pintuan. I crossed my arms waiting for what he is going to say.
"Stay. Away. From. Brixton." May diin angbawat salita. He's looking intently into my eyes.
"Why. Would. I?" Panggagaya ko sa tono niya.
"He's two-faced. He's a liar. A traitor. A-"
"Sa'yo." Putol ko. "He's a great friend to me."
"He's just using you to get to me."
"I'm out of your feud. I'm establishing connections with the Marquezes.
"Do not make any agreements with that devil."
"Or else?"
"Don't test me." Bahagyang tumaas ang tono ng boses niya. He even pushes me behind the door. "Don't be stubborn or you'll regret it."
"Why? What are you going to do?" Hamon ko.
"You really don't know who I am. You have no idea of the things I can do."
Tinawanan ko siya. Hindi ako magpapasindak sa kanya. "Huwag mong gawing panakot si Jj sa akin. Mama Claire won't allow you to take him away from me."
"Mama can't do anything once I decide about it."
"Is this really because of Brix? Or because of what Mama told you last night."
"The transfer of her shares in the company for Jj has nothing to do with the current issue."
"And as Jj's mother, I am the legal guardian who will manage his assets. You don't want me to establish connections with powerful people because you're afraid I might take away the empire from you."
BINABASA MO ANG
Reigning Battle Beyond Greed
RomanceON GOING I am Jem Mendez. A mother at eighteen. Married to Altair Jairus Narvaez, a billionaire and a business tycoon. Will my greed satisfy my desire to be more powerful or will it destroy my heart and the simple life I used to have? DATE STARTED:...
